Shows
The Film ExchangeLIVE: Oscars 2024 ReactionImmediately after the Oscar ceremony, Branson and Matt share their live reactions to this year's winners in our premiere live episode!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2024-03-111h 01The Film ExchangeBONUS: Our Top Films of 2023We return for a special edition, delving into our favorite films of 2023.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-12-3118 minThe Film ExchangeBONUS: Season 1 ClosingWe wrap Season 1 by reflecting on our 56 episodes, our favorites, and how our opinions on some films may have evolved. As we prep to return for Season 2 in the fall, we invite you to please share any feedback or suggestions you may have. We're open to revising the format of the show. We want to hear from you! Thank you so much for coming along with us this past year. We hope to see you for Season 2!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-07-1209 min
The Film ExchangeBlack OrpheusThis week Branson picked Black Orpheus (1959) directed by Marcel Camus. It is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set against the backdrop of the vibrant Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. The film follows the passionate love affair between Orpheu (Brent Mello), a talented streetcar conductor and musician, and Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn), a country girl who comes to the city seeking refuge. Marcel Camus beautifully captures the pulsating energy of the Carnival, the infectious music, and the colorful traditions of Brazil. The film won both the Palm d’Or at Cannes and the Academy Award fo...2023-07-1110 min
The Film ExchangeHoop DreamsFor Independence Day we revisit an American classic -- Hoop Dreams directed by Steve James. This documentary tells the captivating story of two African-American teenagers from Chicago, William Gates and Arthur Agee, who dream of becoming professional basketball players. The film follows them over a period of five years, capturing their struggles, triumphs, and the challenges they face both on and off the court. Through their journey, we witness the harsh realities of inner-city life, the impact of socio-economic factors on their dreams, and the profound ways in which sports can shape young lives. This film was Matt's pick.2023-07-0418 min
The Film ExchangeV for Vendetta V for Vendetta is a dystopian thriller set in a totalitarian Britain ruled by a fascist government. The story revolves around a masked freedom fighter known as "V" (Hugo Weaving) who seeks to ignite a revolution and overthrow the oppressive regime. Along the way, he encounters a young woman named Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman), and together, they uncover the truth about their society and the power of individualism. The screenplay was written by the Wachowski sisters of Matrix fame. It is based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and David Lloyd and has garnered significant cultural significance since i...2023-06-2716 min
The Film ExchangeTangerineWe continue our celebration of Pride month by watching Sean Baker's Tangerine (2015)-- a film that follows the story of two transgender sex workers, Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) and Alexandra (Mya Taylor), as they navigate the streets of Los Angeles on Christmas Eve. When Sin-Dee discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she embarks on a wild and comical journey to find him and confront him. The film takes us through the gritty and vibrant underbelly of L.A., exploring themes of friendship, identity, and resilience. This film was Matt's pick.
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The Film ExchangeThe Piano TeacherWe rewatch one of our favorites -- The Piano Teacher (2001) directed by Michael Haneke. It is based on a novel of the same name by Elfriede Jelinek. It is a psychological drama that follows the story of Erika Kohut, a strict and emotionally repressed piano teacher, brilliantly portrayed by Isabelle Huppert. Set in Vienna, the film delves into Erika's complex and disturbing relationship with her student, Walter Klemmer (Benoît Magimel). The film is a challenging and deeply unsettling exploration of desire, power dynamics, and repression. It tackles taboo subjects and offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of human s...2023-06-1312 min
The Film ExchangeMy Beautiful LaundretteTo kick off Pride month, we watch Stephen Frears' My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). The film tells the story of Omar (Gordon Warnecke), a young Pakistani man living in London, who dreams of transforming his uncle's run-down laundrette into a successful business. Along the way, he reconnects with Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), an old friend and former lover, who is now involved in right-wing politics. Their relationship blossoms, transcending societal barriers and challenging conventional norms. The film tackles various themes such as race, sexuality, and economic disparities, all set against the backdrop of Thatcher-era Britain. It was a groundbreaking exploration of complex social...2023-06-0612 min
The Film ExchangeStrictly BallroomTo celebrate our 50th episode, we watch Bad Luhrmann's debut film Strictly Ballroom! Thank you to our listeners for your support and encouragement in reaching this milestone-- we plan to bring you lots of more episodes! Today's film explores the themes of tradition, individuality, and the power of expression. The film follows the journey of Scott Hastings (Paul Mercurio), a talented ballroom dancer who wants to break free from the rigidity of traditional dance steps. He partners up with Fran, a beginner dancer, to create a new dance routine that defies the norms of the ballroom dancing world. The...2023-05-3011 min
The Film ExchangeLa CollectionneuseWe go back to the French New Wave film "La Collectioneuse" directed by Eric Rohmer. Released in 1967, the film tells the story of Adrien, a cynical art dealer and a young woman named Haydée. Adrien and his fiancée part on bad terms before she goes to work in London, leaving Adrien to stay at a villa near St Tropez with old friend Daniel. They discover that the villa's third occupant, Haydée, is promiscuous and they bully her by branding her a collector of men. Adrien eventually develops feelings for Haydée and tries to win her over...2023-05-2312 min
The Film ExchangeSebastianeBranson picked Sebastiane-- a 1976 film directed by Derek Jarman and Paul Humfress. All the dialogue is spoken in latin and tells the story of the martyrdom of St. Sebastian. Jarman depicts both earthly lust and spiritual yearning. Stripped of rank and exiled to a remote Sardinian outpost, Roman soldier and suspected Christian Sebastian (Leonardo Treviglio) becomes the object of his commanding officer’s aggressive desire. As Sebastian turns his back on his fellow soldiers in favor of his own mystical longings, the sun-bleached Mediterranean idyll becomes a psychosexual hothouse where lust sets the stage for a shocking tableau of death an...2023-05-1608 min
The Film ExchangeFantastic PlanetThis episode was recorded in person in San Francisco, CA at The Archery. We discuss Fantastic Planet-- a 1973 French-Czech science fiction animation, Fantastic Planet directed by René Laloux. This film is a groundbreaking work of animation that explores themes of oppression, rebellion, and the struggle for freedom. It is set on the distant planet of Ygam, where a group of giant blue humanoid creatures called Draags coexist with a human-like species known as Oms. The Draags, who are highly advanced and possess telekinetic abilities, keep the Oms as pets, studying and experimenting on them for their own amusement. But w...2023-05-0910 min
The Film Exchange45 YearsMatt’s pick is 45 Years—a 2015 British drama film that tells the story of a retired couple, Kate and Geoff Mercer (Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay), who are preparing to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. The celebration takes a sudden turn when Geoff receives news that the body of his former lover, who died in a hiking accident fifty years ago, has been found in Switzerland. This revelation throws their relationship into turmoil and causes Kate to question the foundation of their marriage. The movie explores themes of love, loss, and the fragility of relationships.
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The Film ExchangeKoyaanisqatsiToday we revisit a seminal film in Matt's movie watching-- "Koyaanisqatsi," which means "life out of balance" in the Hopi language, is a visual masterpiece that showcases the relationship between humans, nature, and technology. Released in 1982, the film is known for its unique style of cinematography, featuring time-lapse photography, slow-motion footage, and aerial shots.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-04-2510 min
The Film ExchangeCat PeopleBranson selected one of our mutual favorites to discuss Cat People — a 1942 horror film directed by Jacques Tourneur that tells the story of a Serbian immigrant named Irena Dubrovna, who believes that she's descended from a race of people who turn into giant cats when they're sexually aroused. The film stars Simone Simon, Kent Smith, and Jane Randolph, and was produced by Val Lewton for RKO Pictures. The film was a box office success, and has since become a cult classic due to its unique and eerie atmosphere, as well as its exploration of psychological themes such as sexual re...2023-04-1808 min
The Film ExchangeThe Last Temptation of ChristFollowing Easter Sunday, we discuss Branson's pick-- Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ. Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis and adapted by Paul Schrader, it is a 1988 film that explores the life and inner struggles of Jesus Christ played by Willem Dafoe. Shot on a tight budget in Morocco, the film depicts Jesus as a human with doubts, desires, and temptations. As Jesus grapples with his divine destiny and confronts his own humanity, the film delves into themes of faith, sacrifice, and the complexities of being both divine and human. Despite initial backlash and controversy from some...2023-04-1112 min
The Film ExchangeToni ErdmannWe watch the modern classic Toni Erdmann-- a critically acclaimed German comedy-drama directed by Maren Ade. The story revolves around the strained relationship between a workaholic corporate consultant, Ines, and her prankster father, Winfried, who decides to pay her an unexpected visit in Bucharest, Romania, where she works. To reconnect with his daughter, Winfried creates a bizarre alter ego named Toni Erdmann, an eccentric life coach with a terrible wig and fake teeth, and infiltrates Ines' professional and personal life, causing chaos and embarrassing situations. As they spend more time together, Ines begins to question her career choices and...2023-04-0411 min
The Film ExchangeMy Life as a DogToday we discuss the 1985 Swedish drama adaptation of the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Reider Jönsson. It tells the coming of age story of Ingemar (Anton Glaanzelius), a young boy sent to live with extended relatives. In 1987 it was released in the United States where it became a surprise hit. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards including Best Director for Lasse Hallström and Best Adapted Screenplay.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-03-2809 min
The Film ExchangeNakedWe bring one of our mutual favorite films to the podcast -- Mike Leigh's masterpiece Naked (1993) starring David Thewlis. The story follows the journey of Johnny, a young man who leaves Manchester for London after assaulting a man. In the city, he engages in a series of sexual and intellectual encounters with various women while struggling with his own existential crisis. Throughout the film, Johnny's nihilistic and misanthropic worldview is challenged by the people he meets, including his ex-girlfriend and a lonely young woman. As the story progresses, Johnny's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, leading to a devastating climax that...2023-03-2112 min
The Film ExchangeChariots of FireThis week we watch Chariots of Fire, a 1981 British historical sports drama film directed by Hugh Hudson, written by Colin Welland and produced by David Putnam. It is based on the true story of two British athletes in the 1925 Olympics— Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson), a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams (Ben Cross), an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. It is a film of modest intentions and funding that went on to be a worldwide success—its most lasting legacy being its innovative use of slow motion and enduring electronic scor...2023-03-1411 minThe Film ExchangeBONUS: Oscar Predictions 2023Joins us as we celebrate awards season and give our predictions for this year's Oscars. Who do you think will win?
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-03-121h 03
The Film ExchangeThe Best Years of Our LivesTo celebrate awards season and the Oscars, we are revisiting Best Picture Oscar winners from the past. We discuss Matt's Best Picture selection -- The Best Years of Our Lives. It is a 1946 drama directed by William Wyler. The movie follows three World War II veterans as they return home to their families and attempt to readjust to civilian life. The three men come from different backgrounds, and their individual experiences highlight the challenges and emotional toll of war, including physical disability, PTSD, and difficulties in re-establishing relationships with loved ones. The film explores themes of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice...2023-03-0714 min
The Film ExchangeDefending Your LifeOur topic this week is Matt's pick-- Defending Your Life. It is a 1991 comedy-drama directed by Albert Brooks. The film stars Meryl Streep as Julia and Albert Brooks as Daniel Miller, a Los Angeles advertising executive who dies and finds himself in a strange afterlife world where people must defend their lives before a celestial tribunal to determine if they are worthy of advancement to the next phase of existence. Through his experiences, Daniel learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness, as he strives to prove himself and win his case. The film features a...2023-02-2809 min
The Film ExchangeDance, Girl, DanceBranson's pick Dance, Girl, Dance is a 1940 American comedy-drama directed by Dorothy Arzner and starring Maureen O'Hara, Louis Hayward, Lucille Ball, and Ralph Bellamy. The film follows two dancers who strive to preserve their own integrity while fighting for their place in the spotlight and for the affections of a wealthy young suitor. The feminist movement of the late 60s and early 70s helped give the film a new lease on life. In 2007, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, describing it as Arzner's "most intriguing film" and a "...2023-02-2109 min
The Film ExchangePricelessFor Valentine's Day we discuss Priceless. It is a 2006 French romantic comedy film directed Pierre Salvadori, starring Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh. The film follows Jean, a shy waiter who works at a high-end hotel in the south of France who falls for the beautiful and intriguing fortune hunter Irene. One night he is mistaken as a potential client by Irene and spends the night with her. The next morning, Irène realizes her mistake and leaves, but poor Jean is smitten with her. Later, when a rich dowager mistakes Jean for a veteran gigolo, Irène agrees to tu...2023-02-1406 min
The Film ExchangeMagic MagicSPECIAL GUEST: Bryan Berrios. Magic Magic is a 2013 psychological thriller written and directed by Chilean filmmaker Sebastian Silva and starring Juno Temple, Emily Browning, Michael Cera, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. The film follows Alicia (Juno Temple), who arrives in Chile to visit her cousin, Sarah (Emily Browning). Unexpectedly Sarah is called away and Alicia is then stuck on a remote island with three of Sarah’s friends. Bewildered, frightened and unable to sleep, Alicia’s reality becomes a waking nightmare. Her companions fail to notice the danger until it is too late. This film was selected by our guest and...2023-02-0711 min
The Film ExchangeAn American Werewolf in LondonThis week we discuss Matt's pick An American Werewolf in London--a 1981 horror comedy film directed by John Landis. The film follows two American college students, David and Jack, who are attacked by a werewolf while backpacking in England. Jack is killed and David is left with a bite wound. He struggles to come to terms with his new condition and the death of his friend, while also trying to prevent himself from hurting others. The film combines elements of horror and comedy, and is known for its groundbreaking special effects, which earned it the first Academy Award for Best...2023-01-3109 min
The Film ExchangeNights of CabiriaWe discuss Branson's pick Nights of Cabiria (1957), an Italian drama co-written and directed by the great auteur Federico Fellini. It stars Guilietta Masina as Cabiria, a prostitute living in Rome. The film is based on a story by Fellini. Gulietta Mansion won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and the film won Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. Cabiria has gone on to be lauded as one of the most indelible characters in all of cinema-- she is a fiercely independent sex worker who moves through the sea of Rome’s humanity through adversity and heartbreak. She...2023-01-2411 min
The Film ExchangeLaurence AnywaysWe discuss the Quebecois filmmaker Xavier Dolan’s epic romance film Laurence Anyways (2012), which charts ten years in a transgender woman's relationship with her lover. It stars Melvin Poupaud, Suzanne Clément, and Emmanuel Shwartz.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-01-1710 min
The Film ExchangeThe Hitch-HikerWe discuss a noir classic: The Hitch-Hiker is a 1953 American film co written and directed by Ida Lupino starring Edmond O’Brien, William Talman and Frank Lovejoy. It follows two friends taken hostage by a hitchhiker during an automobile trip to Mexico. It was the first American mainstream film noir directed by a woman and was selected in 1998 for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." This episode was recorded in person at River North Media in Denver, CO.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-01-1008 min
The Film ExchangeA New LeafJoin us for our first episode of the new year as we discuss Elaine May's rom-com classic A New Leaf (1971) starring Walter Matthau, Elaine May, Jack Weston, and James Coco. Henry Graham (Walter Matthau) lives the life of a playboy. When his lawyer tells him one day that his lifestyle has consumed all his funds, he needs an idea to avoid climbing down the social ladder. So he intends to marry a rich woman and - murder her.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2023-01-0309 minThe Film ExchangeBONUS: Our Top Films of 2022Join us as we each share our top films of 2022. What are your favorite films of 2022? Let us know on instagram and twitter @filmexchangepod ! This episode was recorded in person at River North Media in Denver, CO.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-12-2910 min
The Film ExchangePinocchioJoin us on our Pinocchio-extravaganza as we revisit Disney’s 1940 film and how it compares to the many Pinocchios that that have followed, including Guillermo Del Toro’s new stop motion feature. A living puppet, with the help of a cricket as his conscience, must prove himself worthy to become a real boy. This episode was recorded in person at River North Media in Denver, CO.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-12-2711 min
The Film ExchangeLove ActuallyMatt and Branson go head-to-toe over the Christmas film Love Actually (2003) written and directed by Richard Curtis. With a star-studded mostly British cast, The film follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during the frantic month before Christmas in London, England. This film is Branson’s pick.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-12-2011 min
The Film ExchangeFanny and AlexanderWe discuss Ingmar Bergman’s swan song Fanny and Alexander (1982) and whether or not it can be considered a Christmas classic. Two young Swedish children in the 1900s experience the many comedies and tragedies of their lively and affectionate theatrical family, the Ekdahls. This film is Matt’s pick.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-12-1312 min
The Film ExchangeYou've Got MailTo kick off the holiday season we start with the feel-good romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail (1998) directed by Nora Ephron. It is inspired by the 1937 Hungarian play Parfumerie by Miklós László which had earlier been adapted in 1940 as The Shop Around the Corner directed by Ernst Lubitsch, and in 1949 as In the Good Old Summertime directed by Robert Z Leonard and Buster Keaton. It marks the third pairing of Hanks and Ryan who previously co-starred in Joe Versus the Volcano and Sleepless in Seattle, the latter directed by Ephron. Struggling boutique bookseller Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) hates...2022-12-0613 min
The Film ExchangeMr. & Mrs. BridgePaul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s last film together is the Merchant Ivory classic Mr. & Mrs Bridge (1990) directed by James Ivory. We explore what makes this film timeless and still relevant today. Walter and India Bridge are a middle-aged married couple living in Kansas City during the 1930s. They labor to keep their upper-middle class family together amongst the conservative nature of the patriarch and the progressive values of his children. This film was Matt’s pick.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-11-2911 min
The Film ExchangePrisonersIn the spirit of Thanksgiving we revisit Prisoners (2013), which begins on a rainy Thanksgiving afternoon in Pennsylvania. It is thriller directed by the Quebecois filmmaker Denis Villeneuve from an original screenplay by Aaron Guzikowski. The film has a star studded ensemble cast including Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, and Paul Dano. Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) faces a parent's worst nightmare when his 6-year-old daughter, Anna, and her friend go missing. The only lead is an old motorhome that had been parked on their street. This film was Branson’s pick.
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Su...2022-11-2211 min
The Film ExchangeYi YiSPECIAL GUEST: Junting Zhou. Edward Yang's magnum opus Yi Yi (2000) is often considered one of the best films of the 2000s, if not of all time. The film follows each member of a middle-class family in Taipei as they seek to reconcile past and present relationships within their daily lives. We discuss our guest’s selection. Our guest Junting Zhou is a cinematographer, filmmaker, and noodle soup lover based in Brooklyn, NY and originally from Guangzhou, China.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-11-1514 min
The Film ExchangeBabe: Pig in the CityJoin us for a blast from the past as we revisit a film directed by the Australian auteur George Miller. Babe: Pig in the City—a box office flop that received a perfect rating from Roger Ebert and has gone on to be listed among the best film of the 1990s. Babe, fresh from his victory in the sheepherding contest, returns to Farmer Hoggett's farm, but after Farmer Hoggett is injured and unable to work, Babe has to go to the big city to save the farm.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-11-0811 min
The Film ExchangeSummertimeWe discuss Branson’s pick — David Lean’s film Summertime from the year 1955 starring Katherine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi. It is a romance film that follows a lonely middle-aged American and her experiences touring Venice alone for the first time, during which she falls in love with a Venetian shopkeeper. Filmed on location, it earned both David Lean and Katherine Hepburn Oscar nominations and has gone on to become a classic.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-11-0111 min
The Film ExchangeThe New York RipperSPECIAL GUEST: Jimmy Giannopoulus. It’s the last week of October and to celebrate Halloween we’re discussing our guest Jimmy’s pick The New York Ripper (1982) directed by Lucio Fulci. A highly controversial filmed banned in many countries—it’s about a burned out New York police detective who teams up with a psychoanalyst to track down a vicious serial killer randomly stalking and killing young women around the city. What is the killer’s motive? Our guest Jimmy Giannopoulous is a writer, director and musician whose fantastic debut film The Birthday Cake a crime-thriller starring Shiloh Fernandez, Val Kilmer...2022-10-2517 min
The Film Exchange10 Cloverfield LaneSPECIAL GUEST: Kelsey Bollig. Our topic is Kelsey’s pick 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) a sci-fi thriller / horror directed by Dan Trachtenberg in his directorial debut, written by Josh Campbell, Matthew Stuecken, and Damien Chazelle and starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman. It is the second film in the Cloverfield franchise which also includes Cloverfield (2008) and The Cloverfield Paradox (2018). A young woman is held in an underground bunker by a man who insists that a hostile event has left the surface of the Earth uninhabitable. For the month of October we have a guest each week and discuss a horror fi...2022-10-1809 min
The Film ExchangeHouse of WaxSPECIAL GUEST: Bryan Berrios. We discuss House of Wax (2005), a seminal horror film of 2000s, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra starring Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray, and Paris Hilton. It is loosely based on the story “The Wax Works” by Charles S. Belden from 1933 and this is its third film adaptation. A group of teens are unwittingly stranded near a strange wax museum and soon must fight to survive and keep from becoming the next exhibit. This film was selected by our guest and friend of the podcast Bryan Berrios, a Venezuelan filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. For the month of Octob...2022-10-1111 min
The Film ExchangeCureSPECIAL GUEST: Junting Zhou. For the month of October we have a guest each week and discuss a horror film of their choice. We love the horror genre and hope this gets you in the Halloween spirit! This week we discuss the Japanese horror auteur Kiyoshi Kurosawa's Cure (1997) starring Kôji Yakusho and Masato Hagiwara. A frustrated detective deals with the case of several gruesome murders committed by people who have seemingly no recollection of what they've done. This film was selected by our guest Junting Zhou, a filmmaker and noodle soup lover based in Brooklyn, NY and originally from G...2022-10-0407 min
The Film ExchangeThe Phantom TollboothWe revisit 1970's The Phantom Tollbooth directed by Abe Levitow, Chuck Jones, and Dave Monahan-- a live-action/animated fantasy film based on Norton Juster's 1961 classic children's book of the same name. This is Branson's pick. We discuss how the film holds up today and what makes it special. Milo, a bored boy who lives in a San Francisco apartment block, is surprised by a large, gift-wrapped package that has appeared in his room. The package turns out to be a gateway to a magical parallel universe. The film moves from live action to animation, after Milo is transported to...2022-09-2706 min
The Film ExchangeLolaWe enter the Demy-verse and watch Jacques Demy's debut Lola (1961) starring Marc Michel and Anouk Aimée. Described by Demy as "a musical without music" this French New Wave film is a tribute to Max Orphüls. A bored young man meets with his former girlfriend, now a cabaret dancer and single mother, and soon finds himself falling back in love with her.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-09-2008 min
The Film ExchangeA Matter of Life and DeathThis week we discuss Matt’s pick— the underrated Archer Films classic A Matter of Life and Death directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger starring David Niven, Kim Hunter, and Roger Livesey. The film follows a British wartime aviator who cheats death and must argue for his life before a celestial court, hoping to prolong his romance with an American girl.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-09-1307 min
The Film ExchangeThe Lion KingSPECIAL GUEST! Please welcome our first guest to the podcast — Marcel Saleta! Marcel is an amazingly talented filmmaker, animator, and YouTuber based in Santo Domingo. On this week’s episode we discuss Marcel’s pick The Lion King (1994) and Disney’s infamous remake.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-09-0612 min
The Film ExchangeThe UninvitedIt's almost that time of year again and for this episode we go back to 1944 and discuss Lewis Allen's The Uninvited-- one of the inspirations for Guillermo Del Toro's Crimson Peak (2015). While vacationing on the English coast, two siblings find an an abandoned 18th-century house. They move in and soon find themselves battling it out with two very prickly ghosts.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-08-3007 min
The Film ExchangeJurassic Park"Hold onto your butts" as we revisit a true classic of our time, Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. We discuss why the original will always be the best of the series and also reveal fun facts such as who was offered the role of Ian Malcolm before Jeff Goldblum.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-08-2312 min
The Film ExchangeLive FleshIn examining Pedro Almodóvar's prolific career, we go off the beaten path and watch Live Flesh (1997) starring Javier Bardem, Liberto Rabal, Francesca Neri, and Penelope Cruz. Based on an English book of the same name by Ruth Rendell, the film follows a man who is sent to prison after crippling a police officer and then seeks redemption years later when he is released.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-08-1607 min
The Film ExchangeShiversTwo words: SEX ZOMBIES. Upon the release of David Cronenberg’s Crimes of the Future (2022), we go back six decades and revisit his first feature Shivers (1975), the highest grossing Canadian film of its time. Parasites are on the loose in a posh apartment complex in Montréal. Those who become hosts turn into erotically obsessed maniacs who infect others through violent sex.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-08-0908 min
The Film ExchangeThe Wizard of Speed and TimeWe revisit the bargain bin cult classic The Wizard of Speed and Time (1989) directed, written, edited, produced, casted, and starring with effects, stunts, and pyrotechnics by the wickedly talented Mike Jittlov. Stay tuned until the end to even hear us sing John Massari's lovely theme song.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-08-0206 min
The Film ExchangeTheebIn our third episode we discuss Branson's pick-- Theeb (2015), directed by Naji Abu Nowar and from the country of Jordan.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-07-2606 min
The Film ExchangeHunt for the WilderpeopleUpon the recent release of Taika Waititi's Thor: Love and Thunder (2022), we revisit his critically acclaimed fourth film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) starring Sam Neil and Julian Dennison.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-07-1906 min
The Film ExchangeToy Story 3In the wake of the atrocity that is Lightyear (2022), in our first discussion we revisit the classic Toy Story 3 (2010) directed by Lee Unkrich and what could have remained a beautiful conclusion to the franchise.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-07-1206 minThe Film ExchangeMeet the Hosts: Matt Sparks & Branson StowellHello and welcome to The Film Exchange where two friends and film enthusiasts discuss the movies that inspire us. For our first episode we introduce ourselves and what brings us to the podcasting world.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefilmexchange/support2022-07-1202 min